Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Surely, at this point, the Minister knows how much the Government is considering allocating in cost-of-living supports, and I am wondering what it is. He came before this committee in advance of the budget. I have been astonished every year, although it might be my naivety, that Ministers come before the committee, which is here to scrutinise matters, and are told what the budget package will be but then suddenly, over the weekend, additional money is found and is announced on the Tuesday. Will the Minister clarify how large he expects the cost-of-living package to be? It is important for openness and transparency.